NACOGDOCHES — The controversial State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness end-of-course examinations won’t impact students as heavily as first planned for the 2012-13 school year.

“This ruling is great news for the students of Nacogdoches ISD,” said Nacogdoches Independent School District Superintendent Fred Hayes.

On Friday, Texas Commissioner of Education Michael L. Williams announced that he would defer implementation of the 15 percent STAAR grading requirement. Under the rule connected to the STAAR end-of-course examinations, a student’s score on the exams would count 15 percent of the student’s final grade in each tested subject area.

“In the original decision, there was a great deal of confusion and many details had not been worked out at the State level,” Hayes said. “(William’s) decision shows a desire by the State government to return some of the control to the local school district.”

On Nov. 29, Williams received letters from Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Senate Education Committee Chair Dan Patrick urging deferral of the 15 percent rule. All three state leaders noted the rule would be an issue that would be discussed during the upcoming legislative session.

“Deferring the 15 percent rule for this school year relieves some of the pressure being felt in Texas districts as we continue the transition to a more rigorous accountability system,” Williams said. “This deferral also allows the Texas Legislature ample opportunity to address the various issues and concerns that have been expressed about implementation of the new system.”

Williams’ decision marks the second year the rule has been deferred. In the 2011-2012 school year, more than 1,100 of the state’s 1,200-plus school districts notified the Texas Education Agency they would be deferring the rule.

Local school districts still have the option to move forward in utilizing the 15 percent rule should they choose. Texas school districts soon will receive formal notification of the deferral so they can plan accordingly.